Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 8 November 2023
135. Deputy Maurice Quinlivan asked the Minister for Health the reason for the delay in completing the planned 96-bed block at University Hospital Limerick; the steps he will take to expedite its construction; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49006/23]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department has been advised by the University of Limerick Hospital Group (ULHG) that they have not announced an opening date nor a delay for the 96-bed block currently under construction at University Hospital Limerick (UHL), and that they wish to clarify this matter.
Work commenced on the first 96-bed ward block at UHL in September 2022. As outlined from the outset, the construction phase will take at least two years to complete. It is currently envisaged that the construction phase will be complete by Q1 2025. Once handed over by the contractors, the new build will need to be equipped and commissioned, as well as staff trained following the completion of a recruitment campaign. They anticipate that this additional bed capacity for the mid-West will become operational in mid-2025.
Approximately half of the beds will be new beds for inpatients, while the remainder will be replacement beds, allowing the closing or refurbishing of some of the more outdated inpatient accommodation on the UHL site. This will allow for greater compliance with national guidelines and international best practice on infection prevention and control.
Pre-planning meetings on a second 96-bed ward block have also been held. This next phase of additional works will, pending planning permission approval, be carried out beside the 96-bed block currently under construction.
